When they entered the boutique, Shruti's eyes widened as she took in the lavish interior. The boutique was a haven of elegance and sophistication, with intricate patterns and designs adorning the walls and floor. A staff member approached them, a warm smile on her face. "Good afternoon," she said, her voice friendly and welcoming.
Vihan nodded, his expression confident and assured. "Is it ready?" he asked, his voice low and expectant. The staff girl nodded, her eyes darting to Shruti. "Yes, sir," she replied.
She turned to Shruti, her smile growing wider. "Please come with me, ma'am," she said, gesturing towards the fitting room. Shruti looked at Vihan nervously, her eyes seeking reassurance. Vihan nodded, his expression encouraging. "Go ahead," he said, his voice soft and gentle.
Shruti followed the girl into the fitting room, her heart racing with anticipation. After a while, Vihan was sitting on the sofa, waiting for her. He looked up when he heard footsteps approaching, his eyes scanning the room.
And then, he saw her. His eyes widened in awe as Shruti emerged from the fitting room. She was looking mesmerizing in the violet gown, the dress hugging her curves in all the right places. The gown was a masterpiece, a work of art that seemed to have been crafted from the very fabric of the night sky.
The dress started with a deep pink at the top, slowly fading into shades of purple and dark violet, like a sunset turning into midnight. Tiny pearls and shiny beads were scattered all over the dress, like stars sprinkled across the sky. They sparkled with every movement, catching the light in the most beautiful way.
Vihan's eyes were glued to Shruti, his gaze drinking in the beauty of the dress and the woman wearing it. He felt a sense of pride and satisfaction, knowing that he had chosen the perfect dress for her. Shruti's eyes met his, and she smiled, her face glowing with happiness.
"You're looking gorgeous," Vihan said, his voice filled with admiration. Shruti's eyes sparkled with delight, her face glowing with happiness. "Vihan, this dress?" she asked, her voice hesitant and uncertain.
"I told them to prepare this gown for you to wear at the gala," Vihan replied, his eyes shining with satisfaction. Shruti's eyes widened in surprise, her expression incredulous. "But I can't take this from you," she said, her voice filled with doubt. "It's very expensive."
Vihan's response was smooth and persuasive. "Come on, you have to," he said, his voice low and gentle. "We're friends." Shruti hesitated, her eyes searching for an escape. "But..." she began, her voice trailing off.
Vihan's expression turned playful, his eyes glinting with amusement. "Look, if you don't accept the gift, I'll think you don't consider me your friend," he said, his voice light and teasing. Shruti sighed, her shoulders sagging in defeat. "Fine," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
Shruti changed into her clothes, the staff member helping her with the delicate fabrics. Once she was dressed, the staff member carefully put the gown in a garment bag, her hands moving with precision and care. The gown was safely stored away, ready to be worn at the gala. Vihan smiled, his eyes shining with satisfaction, knowing that Shruti would look stunning in the dress.
As they were driving, Shruti's eyes suddenly caught sight of an ice cream parlor, its colorful sign and inviting facade catching her attention. "Hey, let me give you a treat at least," she said, her voice filled with excitement and gratitude.
Vihan looked at her quizzically, his eyebrow raised in amusement. "Treat?" he asked, his voice low and playful. Shruti pointed at the ice cream parlor, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm.
Vihan chuckled, a warm and rich sound that filled the car. "Okay," he said, his voice filled with amusement. He pulled over and parked the car in front of the parlor, the sign reading "Sweet Delights" in bold letters.
As they got out of the car, the sweet aroma of ice cream wafted out of the parlor, enticing them with its delicious flavors. Shruti smiled, her eyes shining with anticipation. "I'm buying," she said, her voice firm and decisive.
Vihan smiled back, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Alright," he said, his voice low and agreeable. They walked into the parlor.
They sat at a small table, waiting for their orders to arrive. The ice cream parlor was bustling with activity, the sound of chatter and clinking spoons filling the air. Shruti turned to Vihan, her eyes shining with gratitude. "By the way, Vihan, thank you so much for everything you did about Vikram and the investigation," she said, her voice sincere and heartfelt.
Vihan's response was matter-of-fact, his voice low and even. "No need to thank me," he said. "He sabotaged me too." Shruti's eyes stared at the floor, her expression upset. "I still can't believe he did that," she said.
Just then, the waiter arrived with their orders, saving Vihan from having to respond. "Let's focus on the ice cream for now," he said, winking at Shruti. She chuckled, her eyes sparkling with amusement.
Shruti took a bite of her ice cream, her eyes closing in rapture as the flavor melted in her mouth. Vihan watched her, a small smile playing on his lips as he observed her enjoyment. He couldn't help but think to himself, "She's adorable," as he gazed at her happy expression. The moment was quiet and intimate, the only sound being the soft hum of the ice cream parlor and Shruti's contented sighs.
After a while, they reached the Singh mansion, the grand entrance and sprawling gardens a testament to the family's wealth and status. Shruti got out of the car, her eyes shining with gratitude. "Thank you so much for the gift," she said, her voice sincere and appreciative.
Vihan chuckled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Come on, how many times are you gonna thank me?" he asked, his voice playful and teasing. Shruti laughed, her smile faltering for a moment before she regained her composure. "Okay then," she said. "See you again."
She turned and started walking towards the door, her heels clicking on the driveway. Vihan watched her, his eyes lingering on her figure as she moved away from him. He felt a pang of reluctance, not wanting the evening to end. He tried to compose himself, but his emotions got the better of him.
"Shruti," he called out, his voice low and husky. Shruti turned around, her eyes questioning. "What happened?" she asked, her voice soft and concerned.
Vihan walked towards her, his movements hesitant and uncertain. He rubbed his neck, his eyes locked onto hers. "Actually...I want to tell you something," he said, his voice barely above a whisper.
Shruti's eyes sparkled with curiosity. "What is it?" she asked, her voice gentle and encouraging. Vihan tried to say something, but his voice caught in his throat. He sighed, his shoulders sagging in defeat. "Nothing," he said, his voice low and resigned.
"Are you sure?" She asked while raising an eyebrow. He nodded. "Yeah."
Shruti smiled, her eyes shining with understanding. She nodded and turned to go inside, leaving Vihan standing alone in the driveway, his heart heavy with unspoken words.
After two days, Shruti was at the airport, waiting for her flight to take off. She was lost in thought, her mind preoccupied with the upcoming event. Suddenly, she felt a tap on her shoulder. She looked up, and her eyes widened in surprise as she saw Vihan standing before her.
"Vihan? What are you doing here?" she asked, her voice filled with curiosity. Vihan smiled, his eyes sparkling with amusement. He pulled out something from his pocket and showed her, revealing an invitation from Belle Èclat.
Shruti's eyes widened in surprise as she took in the invitation. "Oh my...you got the invitation too?!" she exclaimed, her voice barely above a whisper. Vihan winked, his smile growing wider. "Why didn't you tell me?" Shruti asked, her voice laced with a hint of accusation.
Vihan's response was smooth and charming. "Consider this as one of my surprises," he said, his voice low and mysterious. Shruti chuckled, her eyes rolling in amusement. "You are really something," she said, shaking her head in wonder.
Vihan's smile grew wider as he glanced at his watch. "Let's go," he said, his voice firm and decisive. "It's time." Shruti nodded.
Inside the plane, Shruti and Vihan were sitting beside each other, their seats nestled in the comfort of business class. After the plane had taken off and reached cruising altitude, Shruti settled into her book, while Vihan was engrossed in his phone, his fingers scrolling through emails or messages.
As the minutes ticked by, Shruti's gaze drifted away from her book and out the window. She stared at the clouds drifting lazily by, her eyes lost in thought. Vihan, still focused on his phone, suddenly spoke up without looking up. "You alright? You've been staring at those clouds for a good fifteen minutes. Planning to takeover the European market already?"
Shruti's eyes snapped back into focus, and she turned to Vihan with a smile. "Something like that," she said, her voice soft and contemplative. "Just letting the anticipation build. This gala...it's a big deal, Vihan. Securing this partnership with Belle Èclat could be a game changer."
"No pressure then," Vihan said, looking up from his phone with a hint of amusement in his voice. His eyes met Shruti's, and for a moment, they just looked at each other. "Seriously though, we've prepped for this," he continued, his voice filled with confidence. "We've got this. Belle Èclat will be charmed by your..." He gazed at her face, his eyes lingering on her features for a second before he composed himself. "...brilliance!"
Shruti chuckled, a warm smile spreading across her face. "That's awfully generous of you," she said, her voice light and appreciative. "I was going to say your charm is equally important," she added, her eyes sparkling with sincerity. "You know how to work a room."
Vihan's gaze drifted back to her face, his eyes holding a hint of intensity. "Only if you're in it, keeps me focused," he said, his voice low and smooth. The words hung in the air, and for a moment, Shruti didn't quite catch the undertone. She was oblivious to the deeper meaning behind Vihan's words, interpreting them as a casual compliment. But Vihan's eyes told a different story, one that hinted at a more profound connection.
"Right. Focused. Belle Èclat. Let's go through the key points once again," Shruti said, her voice crisp and professional. Vihan snapped back into business mode, his expression serious and attentive. "Alright," he replied, and they began discussing the key points on his tablet.
As they reviewed the strategy, Shruti's responses were sharp and insightful, but after a while, she stopped replying to Vihan's questions. He looked at her, expecting a response, but instead, he found her sleeping. Her head was leaned back in the seat, her breathing soft and gentle.
Vihan chuckled, a low, amused sound. "She must be tired," he murmured to himself. He leaned back in his seat, turning his face towards her. His gaze settled on her sleeping face, and he couldn't help but admire every feature. Her eyelids were slightly sunken, her lips parted softly, and her skin looked smooth and serene.
Vihan's eyes lingered on her face, taking in the gentle rise and fall of her chest as she breathed. He felt a sense of calm wash over him, and for a moment, he forgot about the upcoming event and the business at hand. All that mattered was the peaceful moment they were sharing, and the beauty of the woman sleeping beside him.
After a few hours, they reached the airport and made their way to their hotel. As they stood outside their respective rooms, Vihan turned to Shruti and said, "The gala is at 7 in the evening. Rest well till then." His voice was gentle, with a hint of concern for her well-being.
Shruti smiled softly and replied, "You too." With that, she entered her room, closing the door behind her. The soft click of the latch signaled the end of their shared moment in the hallway.
Inside her room, Shruti freshened up and lay down on the bed, feeling the softness of the mattress envelop her. The exhaustion of the day's travel soon caught up with her, and she dozed off, lulled by the quiet of the room.
Later, in the evening, Shruti woke up with a start, realizing she needed to get ready for the gala. She quickly got dressed and looked into the mirror, smoothing out her dress. "Let's do this!" she murmured to herself, a determined look on her face.
Just then, she heard a knock on the door. She opened it to find Vihan standing in the hallway, looking dashing in his formal attire. "Are you ready?" he asked, his eyes scanning her face.
Shruti nodded, a hint of a smile on her lips. "As ready as I'll ever be," she replied, her voice steady. Vihan smiled back, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Good. Then shall we?" he asked, offering his arm.
Together, they went downstairs and saw a car waiting for them in front of the hotel. The driver stood beside the door, ready to open it for them. They got into the passenger seats, the soft leather enveloping them as they settled in for the ride to the gala.
When they arrived at the grand mansion, they were astonished by its sheer scale and opulence. The driveway was lined with luxury cars, and the entrance was flanked by photographers and reporters, clicking pictures of the guests as they arrived. Vihan and Shruti stepped out of their car, and the flashbulbs popped as they posed for a few photos.
As they entered the main hall, they were mesmerized by the beautiful interiors of the mansion. The high ceilings, chandeliers, and intricately designed walls created an atmosphere of elegance and sophistication. The hall was buzzing with activity, filled with celebrities, CEOs of the world's largest companies, and politicians mingling with each other.
Just as they entered, someone tapped Vihan's shoulder. He turned and recognized the person, a broad smile spreading across his face. "Ah, great to see you!" he exclaimed, and the two of them soon started talking, discussing business and politics.
Meanwhile, Shruti walked further inside, determined to mingle with the other guests. "Mingling with the guests will be beneficial for me," she thought, her mind focused on securing the partnership with Belle Èclat. She scanned the room, her eyes locking onto various influential people, and she made her way towards them, her confidence and charm on full display.
As she navigated the crowded hall, she suddenly spotted someone who made her heart skip a beat. "Oh my gosh! Jean Pierre?! He's my favorite artist," she murmured, her eyes fixed on the famous painter, known for his breathtaking works of art. She couldn't believe her luck, and a huge smile spread across her face. Without hesitation, she made a beeline for him, her excitement and enthusiasm propelling her forward.
She approached him with a mixture of excitement and nervousness. "Monsieur Dubois? Forgive me for intruding, but I'm Shruti Singh. I've admired your work for years. Your use of color... it's simply breathtaking," she said, her eyes shining with genuine admiration.
Jean turned towards her with a warm smile, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Mademoiselle Shruti. The pleasure is all mine. It's always gratifying to meet someone who appreciates art," he said, his voice low and soothing.
Shruti's face lit up with enthusiasm. "Appreciate is an understatement. I find your work deeply inspiring. I even dabble myself, though I'm hardly in your league," she said, her voice filled with humility. Jean chuckled, a low, amused sound. "Dabble? Ah, so you are also an artist at heart? What do you paint?" he asked, his curiosity piqued.
Shruti's smile grew wider. "Mostly landscapes and abstract pieces. It's a way for me to unwind, to escape the pressures of... well, running a company," she said, her eyes sparkling with creativity. Jean's expression turned thoughtful. "Well, I must say, most CEOs I encounter are far too consumed with spreadsheets and bottom lines to indulge in such pursuits. I would love to see some of your work sometime," he said, his voice filled with genuine interest.
As they talked, Shruti felt a sense of ease and connection with Jean, bonding over their shared love of art. She smiled, feeling a sense of excitement at the prospect of sharing her own work with him. "I'd be honored to show you my art sometime," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
After chatting for a while with Jean, Shruti excused herself and began to mingle with other guests, her eyes scanning the room for Claire Duvall, the CEO of Belle Èclat. "I still can't find Claire Duvall, the CEO of Belle Èclat. I must impress her if I want to secure a deal," she murmured to herself, her mind focused on the task at hand.
Just then, she spotted Claire across the room, her distinctive silver hair and poised demeanor making her stand out in the crowd. "There she is," Shruti thought, her heart rate quickening slightly as she made her way towards Claire.
